FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2021
**REMINDER**
ONE WEEK LEFT TO COMMENT ON PROPOSED HOT LANE TOLL RATE RANGES FOR PHASE 1 SOUTH: AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE I-270 TO I-370
Public Comments Accepted Through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is reminding the public that one week remains in the comment period for the proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane toll rate ranges for Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The public comment period opened May 20 and continues through 5 p.m. August 12. Staff will present the public comment period summary to the MDTA Board Members and post online at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting during the August 26 MDTA Board meeting.
Written comments and call-in testimony through voicemail will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12. Those interested may:
- submit an electronic comment form at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting;
- download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
- print and mail a completed comment form to Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224; or
- provide call-in testimony at 855-701-1977 and leave a single voicemail limited to three minutes.
ALL COMMENTS received will be given EQUAL CONSIDERATION. The MDTA encourages the public to review all public hearing materials available in the Virtual Information Room at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting prior to commenting. MDTA’s toll rate range proposal is limited in focus to solely Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The elements of the MDTA staff tolling proposal for public comment are Minimum and Maximum Toll Rate Ranges, Soft Rate Caps, Escalation Factors and Discounts that are detailed in the public hearing materials.
The new Recommended Preferred Alternative (RPA) identified by the Federal Highway Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) for the Managed Lanes Study focuses solely on building a new American Legion Bridge and delivering two HOT lanes in each direction on Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370, with no action at this time on I-495 east of the I‑270 eastern spur.
Under the RPA, existing general-purpose travel lanes throughout the corridor would be retained and remain free for use by all motorists. Drivers with less than three occupants in their vehicle would pay a toll only if they choose to use the HOT lanes. The High Occupancy Vehicle 3+ (HOV3+) provision would allow carpools, vanpools and other vehicles carrying three or more people to travel faster and more reliably in the new HOT lanes free of charge any time of day. Buses and motorcycles also would be granted free passage on the new HOT lanes, providing opportunities for a faster, more-reliable trip.
The new RPA would address existing traffic and long-term traffic growth, enhance trip reliability, provide additional travel and transit options and improve the movement of goods and services between key economic centers in Maryland and Virginia. This alternative also will provide significant pedestrian and bicycle commitments to improve connectivity of area sidewalks and trails, including the addition of a multi-use trail on the new American Legion Bridge across the Potomac River.
If you are unable to access the hearing materials online, or if you require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or require language translation services (free of charge), please contact the MDTA’s Title VI Officer at mdtaeeo@mdta.maryland.gov or at 410-537-6720.